Personality Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Guiding Students to Understand Holiness: A Reflection on Exodus 19:6 at SMP Negeri 3 Juhar

Abstract

This study examines the personality competence of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers in guiding students to understand the concept of holiness based on Exodus 19:6 at SMP Negeri 3 Juhar, Karo. Personality competence is considered a crucial dimension of teacher professionalism because it reflects the teacher’s integrity, emotional maturity, spiritual consistency, and exemplary character, all of which significantly influence students’ faith formation. The study employed a quantitative descriptive design involving 54 Christian students and 12 Christian teachers, including the CRE teacher. Data were collected through a Likert-scale questionnaire measuring students’ perceptions of teacher personality competence and students’ understanding of the value of holiness. The instruments were validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. The findings indicate that the personality competence of CRE teachers is in the high category, while students’ understanding of holiness is categorized as moderate to high. Inferential analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between teacher personality competence and students’ understanding of holiness. This suggests that teachers who consistently model integrity, discipline, and spiritual maturity are more effective in helping students internalize the biblical concept of holiness. However, some students still tend to interpret holiness primarily in external or behavioral terms, indicating the need for deeper reflective pedagogy. The study concludes that strengthening the personality competence of CRE teachers is a strategic pathway for enhancing students’ spiritual formation and character development. Future research is recommended to explore longitudinal impacts and broader contextual factors influencing holiness formation in Christian education.